There are some great, quality food and drink experiences on (and from) real working farms all within a short drive of Stirling.
Here's a wee selection to whet your appetite featuring fresh eggs, vegetables, meat, cafes and farm shops.
3 Miles: Egglicious Eggs, Whins of Milton
Egglicious eggs and the farm have views overlooking Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the 1314 heritage site.
The businesses started when Claire, just 15, asked for some hens for her birthday and the business has grown to a stage where they now have 16.5k hens which roam freely.
They supply local cafes, restaurants and shops and pride themselves on the quality of their produce and you can also purchase their free range eggs direct from the farm.
4 Miles: Blairmains Farm Shop, Blairlogie
Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy is a family run business. It was one of Scotland's earliest Farm Shops and quickly established itself not only as a place to buy all sorts of wholesome Scottish produce, but also as a popular Coffee Shop where people come to enjoy their freshly ground coffee, homemade lunches and scrummy cakes.
In the shop you can find fresh produce including free range eggs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, locally farmed quality assured Scottish meat, home-baked cakes, and beer from the local brewery.
The cafe allows for a quick tasty snack or a more relaxing meal on the comfy sofas!
5 Miles: Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop, Blairdrummond
The Smiddy takes its name from the old iron works or 'Smiddy' that once served the local area for generations. It is now a farm shop, cafe and butchers.
They wanted to champion the best produce Scotland has to offer, sourcing local food where possible, making for a unique place to visit, shop for essentials and treats, or enjoy something delicious to eat in comfortable surroundings.
Everything is made to order using products from The Smiddy's award winning butchery which stocks meat from carefully selected local farms.
Homemade cakes, bakes & sweet treats are made daily in the Smiddy kitchen and are available from the cafe, farm shop, outside express takeaway and online shop.
Visit Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop
6.5 Miles: Old Leckie, Gargunnock
Nestled under the Gargunnock Hills, surrounded by lush grass and age old trees, Old Leckie has been farmed by the family for over 100 years. A small family farm, Old Leckie is proud to care sustainably for their animals and the environment, so that they can offer the very best in fresh, local produce.
On offer is beef, lamb, mutton, pork, salad leaves, potatoes and eggs. Old Leckie delivers in the local area three days a week for repeat or one off deliveries and customers can order and pay through the online shop.
Old Leckie's very popular fresh meat boxes can be couriered UK wide and collection from the farm can also be arranged.
8 Miles: The Woodhouse, Kippen
2022 marks ten years since c opened its doors.
As many of their ingredients and products as possible are sourced from local suppliers giving a great selection to choose from on the breakfast and lunch menus. For a lighter bight, there's delicious home made cake.
The Woodhouse is open late on a Thursday evening until 8.00 pm.
14 Miles: Knockraich Farm, Fintry
The Courtyard Café at Knockraich Farm serves light lunches and a delicious selection of cakes and treats made fresh on-site every day using home grown and locally sourced ingredients.
Fresh pasteurised whole milk is available direct from the dairy at Knockraich farm and you can buy a glass bottle or bring your own re-usable container to fill up yourself from the milk station. There are natural and fruit yogurts, Crowdie Cheese, Crème Fraiche, Butter, Buttermilk and Ice Cream all made by Katy Rodger’s Artisan Dairy using milk from Knockraich Farm’s herd of British Friesian Cattle.
15 Miles: Saline Shaw Farm Shop, Dunfermline
Saline Shaw was the realisation of a long-term dream by Lauren Seath. This newly built farm shop with cafe near Dunfermline is a spacious Scandinavian inspired Scottish timber and local stone clad building, with beautiful panoramic views of the Fife countryside and Ochil Hills.
Pop in for a coffee and mouth watering home made scone or cake or stay a little longer to sample the all-day brunch menu which was designed by chef Mark Heirs featuring the best of local Scottish produce.
The farm shop features lots of local Scottish, as well as independent British, suppliers.
30 Miles: Monachyle Mhor
Monachyle Mhor is situated down a beautiful, peaceful, single-track lane, that winds along the wooded banks of Loch Voil.
Food is at the heart of Monachyle Mhor and the restaurant is about having a great time over exceptional food prepared by Exec Chef Marysia Paszkowska in a warm welcoming setting.
Tom started the restaurant back in the 90s and is still involved, foraging, creating, thinking, tasting, and talking.
The food is sourced mainly from their farm, or nearby – their venison comes from the surrounding hills. They pick vegetables, fruit, and herbs from the kitchen garden, and forage in all sorts of secret spots.
